Lake Victoria is the world’s second-largest freshwater lake. Twenty-five million people depend on it for their survival. Once a site of almost miraculous biodiversity, in recent decades it has played host to one of history’s greatest mass extinctions. Overfishing, pollution, deforestation and global warming have decimated fish stocks and rendered large swathes of the lake unfit for life. In his new book The Saviour Fish: Life and Death on Africa’s Greatest Lake, Mark Weston explores how biodiversity loss and climate change are affecting some of the most marginalised communities on the planet. Living for two years on remote Ukerewe Island in the Tanzanian half of the lake, he gets to know the fishermen and families who are hardest hit by the crisis and finds out how they are responding. In this excerpt, he tells the story of a decision made long ago by East Africa’s British colonisers, which is still having major repercussions for those living around the lake today.

Jacqueline Novogratz is the Founder and CEO of Acumen, and a recognized leader and innovator in the social impact sector. Her work began in 1986 when she quit her job on Wall Street to co-founded Rwanda’s first microfinance institution, Duterimbere; the experience inspired her to write the bestselling book The Blue Sweater: Bridging the Gap Between Rich and Poor, and, in 2001, launch Acumen.At this special discussion, Jacqueline will join Conduit Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer, Paul Van Zyl to explore her career, the impact of her work and what the future holds.

On the day that Boris Johnson finally resigned as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, The Conduit welcomed Jeremy Hunt onto its stage. The timing was serendipitous, but it ensured a fully engaged, energetic and consumed audience. Jeremy Hunt, the longest-serving Health Secretary in history, here to talk about his new book, Zero, and share his tales of working with the NHS. Despite the harsh realities and brutal statistics that showcase the inadequacies in the system, Jeremy did provide a measured view. He presented what he sees as next steps and actions that will work towards improving the NHS for all.